I did not understand what smooth fountain pen writing was like before I got one of these. I loved the look, but not the price tag so when I saw one at a highly discounted price I snatched it up. Months later, I saw another one for under $40. And, to this day, I stalk the internet in search of the other two colours.

Because this pen is amazing.

My biggest complaint after the lack of included converter (which is something so many pen companies do and it’s rude if you ask me) was that always-an-issue-for-me spot between nib and grip. But, as I explained in my written first impression, it is easy enough to get over.

I think Sailor makes the prettiest looking nibs, but Cross isn’t so bad either, I think that the lion design is very cool.

I’ve had this pen now for at least six months and it has been inked the entire time. I have gone weeks without using it and have never, not once, had a hard start. That goes for the Antelope Canyon version I have (pictured here is Malta) in which I actually have J. Herbin Cornaline d’Egypt. Shimmer inks don’t usually do well when left sitting, but I haven’t had a problem at all. (Update after 6 months of letting Cornaline d’ Egypt sit inside the pen: I picked it up and it wrote as though I’d used it yesterday. Quality stuff, a chairdean.)

I’d like to try a fine nib for a Cross pen since the medium is so nice.